The unusual question Steve Jobs used in hiring

Apple founder Steve Jobs adopted an approach during the hiring process that aimed to understand the intrinsic motivations of candidates rather than focusing solely on technical skills. At the heart of this approach was a simple yet profound question he posed to candidates:

'WHAT IS A JOB YOU WOULD ENJOY DOING WITHOUT GETTING PAID?'

With this question, Jobs measured not only the technical proficiency of candidates but also their emotional commitment to their work and their internal motivations. For Jobs, it was important to find people who could contribute to projects even without the expectation of a salary.

Apple was not just a technology company, but an organization that aimed to offer a lifestyle to its users. Therefore, every product produced had to reflect high quality standards. Jobs' hiring philosophy prioritized progress achieved as a team rather than individual success.

This question asked by Jobs helped to clearly distinguish the true passions and career expectations of candidates. In this way, employees who did their jobs with passion and went beyond boundaries when necessary could be found, and creativity and innovation were encouraged at every level. Thus, Apple's culture was kept constantly alive.